Cate Blanchett has shown support to SAG-AFTRA strike. She is a board member of SAG-AFTRA’s Actors’ Council. “The Council generates awareness and support for the Foundation’s no-cost programs and resources offered to SAG-AFTRA artists and families, as well as its global children’s literacy program.”

Cate has a released a statement and is no longer able to attend the Q&A after TÁR screening at Chichester International Film Festival to show her support of the strike.

You can donate to SAG-AFTRA Foundation here.

“I am honoured that Chichester Film Festival is screening a retrospective of my work and was looking forward to being present for a direct, buoyant and robust audience discussion regarding Tár, a film which I am extremely proud to have been part of as both an executive producer and actor. Even though Tár has already been released I am sensitive to the fact that it was produced by a currently struck company, so while my union is in the midst of vital negotiations, I feel it inappropriate to attend.” – Cate Blanchett’s statement about the Chichester International Film Festival Cate Blanchett Retrospective

With dual strikes currently underway, it’s an uncertain time for actors – and this is a profession that is used to uncertainty. Many aren’t just wondering about when their next job will be, but how they can afford rent, utilities and health care. One place that can help is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and its Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund. The Foundation’s programs and assistance are available to any SAG-AFTRA member currently paid up on dues who are able to prove financial crisis. The Foundation’s motto is: “If you need help, ask. If you can help, give.”

SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it is a non-profit organization associated with the union but not part of it. It offers several educational programs and valuable resources to its more than 48,000 participants all over the country. SAG-AFTRA artists should visit the website (www.sagaftra.foundation) and set up a free account to be notified of upcoming screenings, programs and opportunities to utilize various resources, such as its state-of-the-art voiceover labs. The Foundation was created in 1985, and its current president is Emmy-winning actor Courtney B. Vance and its executive director is Cyd Wilson.

As the Foundation is a non-profit, the money is coming entirely from donations, and Wilson says it’s inspiring that so many actors have stepped up to help. Earlier this week, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave a historic seven-figure donation to the fund. She and Vance have been “literally getting on the phone and dialing for dollars,” Wilson says. “We’ve been relying heavily on actors who are in a position where they can give. I’m thrilled to say that within hours of us putting out a letter to the high earners, Cate Blanchett was the first to come in and say, ‘What can I do?’ and wrote a check. That’s the kind of response we’ve been getting from the community, and it’s wonderful.”

But Wilson also points to all the generous donations from people sending $5 — that money can really add up to help those in need. “It makes you feel so good about humanity, that we are willing to take care of our own.”

Sources: Chichester, SAG-AFTRA, Variety